Posts by Sherry Budziak
The Right Facilitation Skills Make Meetings Meaningful
We’re all challenged for time. If you wonder why members aren’t more engaged with your association, that’s one big reason. There aren’t enough hours in the day. When you want volunteers to serve on a committee or support an initiative, it’s critical to give them a rewarding return on the investment. A skilled facilitator can…
Read MoreUnderstand the X, Y, Zs of Member Connections
If a girl scout in your house is selling cookies, who are the top prospects on her list? That’s a no-brainer. Even friends who have sworn off sugar will probably say yes to a box of Thin Mints from your fledgling entrepreneur. An emotional connection paves the way for an easy sale. That advice is…
Read MoreWithout Trust, You Don’t Have a Team
Do you ever wonder how you’re doing as a leader? What’s the best way to evaluate your skills? There are a variety of metrics that might be useful. You could distribute a survey, conduct 360-degree performance evaluations, analyze the financials, and assess your progress against goals. But there is an easier way. Ask yourself whether…
Read MoreDon’t Be Afraid to Move the Rug! Seven Steps for Organizational Excellence
Consultants see everything—from organizations that make Dunder Mifflin look like a tight ship to associations that could teach us a thing or two. We focus attention on what the most successful groups do right. At .orgCommunity’s June 9 Innovation Summit, Kevin Ordonez, .orgSource President and Managing Director of Digital Strategy, and I gave a presentation…
Read MoreTurning Ideas Into Action
The 2022 Innovation Summit When I was looking for something unique to say about innovation at .orgCommunity’s June 9, Innovation Summit, I came across these quotes. Each concept is important to developing a culture of innovation. But their common denominator is the most significant. All three authors link innovation to action. Creativity needs an outcome.…
Read MoreGet Everyone Singing Together—Align Content to Strategy
You invested in the right technology and developed a solid strategic plan. Now, the team is rolling out new member-success initiatives. Why aren’t people paying attention? The numbers are still slipping. It might be because customers aren’t hearing your important story. Content, or the words, ideas, facts, and images, that you use to promote your…
Read MoreBuild a Culture To Fit the New World of Work
Who on your team is spending the lunch hour scrolling the job sites? I can guarantee that someone is seriously searching for their next opportunity. And, the most likely candidate is probably one of your rising stars. If that thought gives you an uncomfortable shiver, read on. In a world where the office, as we…
Read MoreRecharge Your Imagination at the Innovation Summit
Sponsored by Impexium, Association.TV, and .orgSource Could your imagination use a recharge? Do you want the rush of a fresh perspective? If the answer is yes, I have a suggestion. Join me and some of the savviest association leaders in our industry at the Innovation Summit on June 9. This signature event is curated by…
Read MoreENA Makes Culture a Magnet for Talent
I once overheard a volunteer at a nonprofit organization say that replacing a key staffer would be easy. Not only did this employee have impressive credentials, she also was making significant contributions to the group. However, in this board member’s view, there were plenty of eager young professionals who could step into that important spot.…
Read MoreFind the Athletes You Need to Innovate
Don Dea and Hugh Lee, the co-founders of DigitalNow, are colleagues I look to as voices from the future. In an interview for our book, “Association 4.0: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Risk, Courage, and Transformation,” Don made this prediction. “In order to help workers adapt, associations will need to find and hire terrific athletes. Talent…
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